Industrial Pressure Gauges UK: Types, Accuracy Classes & Industrial Applications Industrial pressure gauges UK are one of the most essential instruments on any plant for process safety, plant reliability and regulatory compliance UK. The choice of pressure measurement equipment is not something to be taken lightly, especially when it's used in a chemical processing plant, water treatment facility or offshore oil and gas installation. From the types of gauges and accuracy classes to selection of materials, calibration, and application in various industries, this guide covers it all that an instrumentation engineer, maintenance manager and procurement specialist needs to know. What Are Industrial Pressure Gauges? Industrial pressure gauge is mechanical or electronic device that measures and displays the pressure in a process system, pipeline, vessel, pump, compressor or hydraulic equipment. They are an integral component of any instrumentation and process control system which enables an operator to have real-time knowledge of the system pressure to ensure safe and efficient operation. Typical industrial pressure gauges used in plants and processing facilities in the UK are designed such that they can be used in harsh environment, extreme temperatures, vibration, corrosive media or at high pressure and can withstand such conditions for many years while providing repeatable and accurate readings. How Pressure Gauges Work Bourdon Tube Principle In industrial applications, the Bourdon tube pressure gauge is the most commonly used pressure gauge. A curved or helical tube of brass, stainless steel or alloy is attached to the process inlet inside the gauge. The tube when subjected to pressure tries to straighten out in proportion to the applied pressure. This movement is used by a gear-and-lever system to move a pointer over a calibrated dial, providing a direct pressure reading. The Bourdon tube design is found in a large number of industrial pressure measurement applications thanks to its robustness, wide pressure range – from a few bar to thousands of bar and low cost. Diaphragm Measurement Principle Diaphragm pressure gauges work with a flexible membrane that bends when subjected to a pressure. The deflection is proportional to the pressure and it is mechanically connected with the pointer. This design can separate the measuring element from the process fluid and thus is suitable for corrosive, viscous or contaminated media. Digital Pressure Measurement Digital pressure gauges convert pressure to an electrical signal via an electronic pressure sensor (usually a strain gauge, ceramic or piezoelectric element) which is then displayed digitally. They provide better readability, data log, and industrial monitoring and SCADA integration. Main Types of Industrial Pressure Gauges Bourdon Tube Pressure Gauges The Bourdon tube pressure gauge is still the backbone of the industry. These gauges come in three types: C-type, spiral, and helical and can be used with most non-corrosive gases and liquids. They are commonly used in various pressure gauge applications in the manufacturing, utilities, and oil and gas sectors. Key advantages: High operating pressure accuracy (vacuum to 7000 bar/0.01 to 70 kpsi) High mechanical durability Low cost of ownership Features a bronze finish in both models and comes in full stainless steel as well Diaphragm Pressure Gauges When the process fluid is corrosive, sticky, highly contaminated, or must not be in contact with the pressure gauge's internal parts, the diaphragm pressure gauge is the preferred type of gauge. They are typically used to describe: Chemical dosing systems Applications involve the use of wastewater and slurry. These processes can be used to prepare pharmaceutical and food products. Aggressive acids and alkalis Diaphragm gauges are frequently furnished with a PTFE or elastomer-lined diaphragm that is resistant to chemical attack. Capsule Pressure Gauges Capsule gauges are constructed of two corrugated diaphragms joined together and sealed into a capsule. They have a high sensitivity and are appropriate for measuring low pressures (usually below 600 mbar) in gases and dry air. They are commonly used in gas supply monitoring, HVAC systems and low-pressure pneumatic circuits. Differential Pressure Gauges Differential pressure gauges measure the pressure difference between two process points, rather than pressure relative to atmosphere. They are commonly employed in monitoring filter changes, flow measurements through an orifice plate and level measurement in closed vessels. Digital Pressure Gauges In situations where high accuracy, data-logging or remote readout are involved, digital pressure gauges for industrial monitoring have many advantages over mechanical types. Today's digital gauges offer accuracy of 0.1% or higher, and can be equipped with 4–20 mA outputs, HART protocol or Bluetooth for wireless data collection. Traceability and data capture are key requirements in …